The Knicks seem to operate better when Carmelo Anthony, left, and Amare Stoudemire are not on the court at the same time.AP Photo

Eighty-two and 0. That's where the New York Knicks appear to be headed following their 99-89 victory over the Orlando Magic Tuesday night.

The New Yorkers stayed unbeaten after five games and are the NBA's only unbeaten team.

Now, I or anyone for that matter, doesn't expect the Knicks to not lose a game the rest of the way.

Actually, I'm just hoping the Knicks can win 50 games.

The Knicks' unbeaten start is certainly a big surprise considering star player Amare Stoudemire is out with an injury.

That has prompted Carmelo Anthony to step up and be the team's main player.

And just like when Anthony was hurt part of last season and the Knicks posted a winning record without him, the team is doing the same with Stoudemire out of action.

The fact of the matter is -- to this casual basketball fan -- that the Knicks fare better when one or the other is not playing.

That means the Knickerbockers might want to bring Stoudemire off the bench when he returns to the lineup next month.

Of course, Knicks coach Mike Woodson could see if the two could play together and how the rest of the team reacts. If it doesn't work, he shouldn't think twice about not letting the two stars play on the court at the same time.